Welcome to Shaka Guide’s audio tour of Dry Tortugas National Park! Your journey begins aboard the Yankee Freedom Ferry as we cruise 70 miles west of Key West to one of the most remote—and breathtaking—national parks in the U.S.

Along the way, we’ll share stories of pirates, shipwrecks, and the incredible history of the Dry Tortugas.

Once you arrive at Garden Key, we’ll guide you through Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs.

You’ll explore the fort’s fascinating past, stroll the scenic moat wall, and discover hidden corners that most visitors miss.

Dry Tortugas Itinerary

1. Yankee Freedom Ferry

• Duration: 3-31/2 hours

Joe Parks from Berkeley, CA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Yankee Freedom Ferry is the official ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, departing daily from Key West.

This high-speed catamaran takes visitors on a 70-mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico to explore historic Fort Jefferson and the crystal-clear waters of this remote island paradise.

The trip includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and entrance to the park. Along the way, passengers may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.

It’s the most convenient and scenic way to experience one of America’s most isolated—and breathtaking—national parks.

2. Key West Ferry Terminal

• Duration: up to 1.5 hours

Bohao Zhao, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Yankee Freedom Ferry departs from the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street.

The terminal features a check-in counter, restrooms, and a waiting area right by the waterfront.

Passengers are advised to arrive early—boarding starts around 7:00 a.m.

Parking is not free, but convenient; shaded parking is available across the street at the City of Key West Parking Garage (300 Grinnell Street) for about $32–$40 per day.

Be sure to pay in advance and place your receipt on your dashboard.

The terminal is also within walking distance of downtown Key West.

3. Garden Key

• Duration: 4-5 hours

public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Garden Key is the main island in Dry Tortugas National Park, home to historic Fort Jefferson and surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Visitors can explore the massive 19th-century fort, snorkel along the moat wall, or relax on white sand beaches.

The island also features a small visitor center, restrooms, and primitive campsites.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Garden Key offers a rare blend of history, nature, and solitude—70 miles west of Key West.

4. Fort Jefferson

• Duration: 1-2 hours

Jessica Conaway

Fort Jefferson is a massive coastal fortress located on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park.

Built in the mid-1800s, it’s one of the largest masonry structures in the Americas, made from over 16 million bricks.

Originally intended to protect shipping routes, the fort was never completed or fully armed.

Today, visitors can walk its towering walls, explore the powder magazines and prison cells, and learn about its Civil War-era history.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, Fort Jefferson is both a remarkable feat of engineering and a strikingly remote piece of American history.

5. Garden Key Lighthouse

Jessica Conaway

The Garden Key Lighthouse, perched atop Fort Jefferson, has guided mariners through the remote Dry Tortugas since 1826.

The original brick tower was replaced in 1876 with the current iron structure, which still stands today.

Though no longer active, the lighthouse remains a striking landmark and a reminder of the island’s maritime past.

If you love beaches, then Kaua‘i’s North Shore is the place for you!

From snorkeling at Tunnels and Anini Beach to swimming and sunbathing near Hanalei, it’s perfect—especially in summer.

6. Bush Key

• Duration: up to 1 hour

public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Bush Key is a small, uninhabited island just east of Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park.

Accessible by foot via a sandbar during certain times of the year, the island is closed seasonally to protect nesting seabirds—especially sooty terns and brown noddies.

With its white sand beaches and protected status, Bush Key offers a rare glimpse into a thriving, untouched seabird sanctuary.

While visitors can't always set foot on the island, its natural beauty and bird activity are easily admired from nearby Garden Key or along the connecting sand spit.

7. Moat Wall

Jessica Conaway

The moat wall at Fort Jefferson is a scenic walkway and popular snorkeling spot offering stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

However, due to structural damage from recent hurricanes, the moat wall is currently closed for repairs and expected to remain closed through fall 2026.

When open, visitors should exercise caution—there are no railings, and the surface can be uneven and slippery.

Wear sturdy shoes, supervise children closely, and avoid walking during wet or windy conditions to stay safe while enjoying this unique historic feature.

8. North Swim Beach

Jessica Conaway

North Swim Beach is a small sandy shoreline on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, just steps from Fort Jefferson.

It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in calm, clear waters surrounded by coral reefs.

The beach offers easy access from the fort and is ideal for families and visitors seeking a peaceful place to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

As with all areas in the park, visitors should respect fragile marine life and follow safety guidelines, including watching for changing tides and currents.

9. South Swim Beach

public domain via Wikimedia Commons

South Swim Beach is a tranquil sandy spot on the southern side of Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National Park.

Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach offers beautiful views of the open sea and is less crowded than the north side, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Like all park beaches, guests should respect the fragile ecosystem, stay aware of currents, and follow safety precautions while enjoying the sun and water.

10. Visitor Center

Jessica Conaway

The Visitor Center at Dry Tortugas National Park is located on Garden Key near Fort Jefferson.

It provides essential information about the park’s history, wildlife, and regulations. Visitors can find exhibits, maps, restrooms, and ranger assistance here.

Due to the park’s remote location, services are limited, so planning ahead is recommended.

The center helps guests make the most of their visit, whether exploring the fort, snorkeling, or camping.

Explore Dry Tortugas with Shaka Guide

You’ve explored the massive walls of Fort Jefferson, wandered sandy beaches, peeked into the lives of 19th-century soldiers and prisoners, and soaked in the remote beauty of this island paradise.

With Shaka Guide’s Dry Tortugas Tour, you’ll relive these moments at your own pace, uncovering the fascinating history and natural wonders of this far-flung fortress in the sea.

As the Yankee Freedom Ferry carries you back to Key West, take one last look at those turquoise waters and imagine what life was like out here—so far from the mainland, yet so full of history.

About the Writer: Jess Conaway

Jess Conaway is a small-town mom and former theater kid who grew up exploring the Gettysburg Battlefield, and she’s been a history buff ever since. Jess has a passion for preserving our nation’s stories, but she especially loves discovering the human history of the places she visits—the weirder, the better!

She’s also not ashamed to admit that she cried the first time she saw the sun rise over the Tetons.

Take the Dry Tortugas National Park Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Know Before You Go guide to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!